Photocopying device

ABSTRACT

In photocopying apparatus of the type in which originals of various sizes may be copied into sizes of preselected formats by the use of an objective lens and a mirror, both suitably movable for the purpose of image formation, paper is supplied from a supply roll, a measuring and controlling device cuts the supplied paper into a desired length, a table supports an original in a predetermined position, and switches provided along the path of the paper control the speed of the paper and a source of light at the same time. A row of push buttons is provided, each push button corresponding to predetermined sizes of original and of copy, being and effective to position the objective lens and, if required, the mirror, to operate one of the switches in accordance with a desired size of copy, and to control the length of the paper to be cut. The push buttons indicate the proper positioning of the original on the original supporting table, whereby originals of various sizes can be copied with desired magnifications and with high speed and great ease.

[ Feb. 19, 1974 PHOTOCOPYING DEVICE [75] Inventors: Wilhelm Josef Knechtel, Rodheim;

Detlel' Schaffer, Wetzlar, both of Germany [73] Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo,

Japan [22] Filed: Oct. 30, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 301,929 [30] Foreign Application Priority Data July 16, 1969 Germany ..1936l69 Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 54,324, July 13, 1970,

abandoned.

[52] U.S.Cl 355/29, 355/11, 355/14, 355/27, 355/60 [51] Int. Cl. G03b 29/00 [58] Field of Search 355/11, 14, 29, 55-66 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,416,860 2/1968 Mihojerich et al. 355/14 X 2,927,503 3/1960 Zollinger 355/60 3,503,677 3/1970 Uchiyama 355/13 3,535,037 10/1970 Koizumi 355/60 X 3,542,467 11/1970 Ferguson 355/60 X 3,687,544 8/1972 Muller 355/57 t i I l l l I I l l L l l Primary ExaminerRichard M. Sheer Attorney, Agent, or FirmWatson, Leavenworth, Kelton and Taggart [57] ABSTRACT In photocopying apparatus of the type in which originals of various sizes may be copied into sizes of preselected formats by the use of an objective lens and a mirror, both suitably movable for the purpose of image formation, paper is supplied from a supply roll, a measuring and controlling device cuts the supplied paper into a desired length, a table supports an original in a predetermined position, and switches provided along the path of the paper control the speed of the paper and a source of light at the same time. A row of push buttons is provided, each push button corresponding to predetermined sizes of original and of copy, being and effective to position the objective lens and, if required, the mirror, to operate one of the switches in accordance with a desired size of copy, and to control the length of the paper to be cut. The push buttons indicate the proper positioning of the original on the original supporting table, whereby originals of various sizes can be copied with desired magnifications and with high speed and great ease.

2 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PHOTOCOPYING DEVICE This is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 54,324 filed July 13, 1970, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a photocopying apparatus, and more particularly to photocopying apparatus of the type in which electrically charged paper, foil or like members are used for providing copies, wherein originals of various sizes may have their optical images formed into sizes of preselected formats on copying paper. Such apparatus comprises an objective lens suitably movable forthe purpose of image formation, a selectively movable mirror, a roll of paper for supplying copying sheets, measuring and controlling means for cutting the supplied paper into desired sheet length, said paper having predetermined width, a table for supporting an original in predetermined position with respect to fixed table corner means, said copying paper being moved slowly or maintained stationary while it is exposed to light, and switches provided along the path of the paper for controlling the speed of said paper and a source of light at the same time.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART The copying machine of the described type is very useful and has important advantages. It can copy originals of desired sizes and can copy them in desired formats of copy without waste of paper, because paper can always be fed from a roll of paper and cut into desired sizes. This apparatus can be operated at a very high speed and it may be called high-speed copying apparatus.

Such apparatus, however, has a disadvantage in that it is very difficult, to operate, because originals of formats DIN A DIN A DIN A and formats B, and B must have their optical images formed into sizes DIN A DIN A or B and due to the doctrine of combinations, this involves high possibilities of numerous errors in the adjustment'of the apparatus, such as positional adjustment of the objective lens movable to change magnification, adjustment of the mirror compensating for the path of light to achieve sharp focusing, adjustment of the measuring means for supplying copying papet, and proper selection of the switches which are usually provided in pairs so that one of the switches acts to move the paper slowly and the other switch acts to restore the initial speed of the paper and, for example, turn on the flashlights for the exposure.

The possibilities of these errors in the adjustment of such apparatus are so great that the machine is operated solely by experts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide photocopying apparatus of the foregoing type which can be readily operated by any ordinary person.

. Such object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a row of push buttons, each of which represents a predetermined size of original and a predetermined size of copy and has several control functions, for example, the function of setting the objective lens and, if required, moving the mirror into the position represented by the push button, selecting one of the switches along the path of paper in accordance with the desired size of copy, and controlling the length into which copying paper is to be cut. The-push buttons also indicate the positioning of the original on the original supporting table.

With this arrangement, the size of an original to be copied is first considered, and then the format of copying paper to be used for that original is selected. Then, the particular push button to be depressed is determined and the entire control function is effected by the depression of the selected push button.

At the same time, patterns provided on the respective push buttons or closely adjacent thereto enable the user to know how to position the original on the original supporting table of the machine, whereby the optical image of the original occupies the entire surface area of the copying paper.

For this purpose, the respective push buttons carry senting predetermined positions of the original on the original supporting table.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a photocopying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing the push button arrangement in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, an original to be copied is placed on an original supporting table 1 and illuminated by an illuminator device 1a. The optical image of the original is formed in an image plane 4 with the aid of a mirror 2 and an objective lens 3. A paper 5 fed by belt 5a from a roll of paper 6 moves in the image plane 4. A measuring device 8 measures the length of v the paper fed and controls a knife 7. The knife cuts the paper into a suitable length. The copying paper thus cut reaches the image plane 4.

The objective lens 3 is movable to a position 3 so that originals of various sizes may have their optical images focused on various formats of copying paper, and as shown in FIG. 1, a mirror 2' can be rotated into position above the mirror 2 to provide a different length optical path and hence different size optical images.

A corona discharge (not shown) is provided in front of the image plane 4 so as to electrically charge the paper.

Behind the image plane 4 there are disposed three pairs of switches 9, l0, and 11, which vary the speed of movement of the paper 5 just before the image formation is effected, and at the same time turn on the aforesaid illuminator device, and further move the paper again at a predetermined speed after the paper has been exposed to light. The switches have first contacts to which lines 17, 18 and 19 are respectively connected and second contacts to which lines 20, 21 and 22 are connected.

The paper thus exposed to light is then developed by a developing device (not shown).

To control the function of the machine, there are provided a row of six push buttons ll, l2, l3, l4, l5 and 16. Each of these push buttons is provided with a black striped pattern, which represents how the original is to be disposed on the original supporting table 1.

If the original to be copied has the size of format DIN A such original should be placed in the position as indicated on the push button 11. In this case, the original is copied into the size of DIN A,,.

When the original has the size of DIN A, and it is de sired to copy such original into the same size, the original should be placed in the position as indicated on the push button 12. When the original has the size of DIN A and it is desired to copy it into a reduced size of DIN A the original should be placed in the position as indicated on the push button 13.

The other push buttons represent the other format relations, i.e., DIN A DIN A B B and B B respectively.

The user may depress, for example, the push button 11 after he has placed an original on the original supporting table I in the position as indicated by that push button. This causes the objective lens 3 to move to the position 3 as shown in FIG. 1. The button 11 also actuates the mirror 2 into rotation. The button 11 also enables, i.e., supplies voltage to the first contact of, one of the three pairs of switches 9, and 11' (in this case, switch 11'), and further controls the measuring device 8 so that the knife cuts the paper into the size of format DIN A The other buttons, if depressed, may similarly actuate the above-mentioned parts.

Therefore, the user can select a suitable button for his original and the desired format of copy with the aid of the symbols provided on each button, place the original on the original supporting table in accordance with the indication on the selected button, and then depress that button. The apparatus will thereafter operate fully automatically.

FIG. I illustrates circuit means comprising various conductors or lines having particular interconnection in effecting the foregoing generally discussed machine functions. Thus, each of push buttons 11-16 has a plurality of output terminals selectively interconnected with output lines of other push buttons and with cutter 8, switches 9, 10 and 11' and, as shown schematically, with mirrors 2 and 2' and lens 3. Further understanding of the invention will be facilitated by a consideration of such selective line interconnection.

Input line 23 to cutter 8 is connected solely to push button 11, such that the cutter cuts paper to length according with that required by push button 11 (FIG. 2). Input line 24 to cutter 8 is connected to push buttons 12, 13 and 14, such that the cutter cuts paper to the common length required by push buttons 12, 13 and 14. Input line 25 to the cutter is connected to push buttons l5 and 16, such that the cutter cuts paper to the common length required by push buttons and 16.

In similar grouping, lines l7, l8 and 19 connect switch 9 to push buttons 12, 13 and 14, switch 10 solely to push button 11, and switch 11' to push buttons 15 and 16.

Mirror 2 is indicated, by lines 26 and 27, as employable on the operation of push buttons 11, 12, 13 and 14. Mirror 2' is indicated, by line 28, as employable on the operation of push buttons 15 and 16.

Lens 3 is in its solid line position, as indicated by lines 29 and 30, on the operation of push buttons 11, l2, l3 and I4 and in another broken line position, shown as lens 3', as indicated by line 31, on the operation of push buttons 15 and 16.

By way of further explanation of the operation of the machine of the invention, let it be assumed that, following an A4 to A-4 photocopying operation (push button 12), it is desired to perform B4-B5 photocopying operation. The original is placed on table 1 as shown on push button 15 in FIG. 2. Upon operation of push button 15, lines 25, 31, 19 and 28 are concurrently energized. On energization of line 25, cutter 8 thereby receives direction to cut paper 5 to one preselected length different from other preselected lengths dictated on energization of lines 23 and 24. On energization of line 31, lens 3, then in its solid line position, is moved rightwardly to its broken line position. On energization of line 19, the first contact of switch 11' is supplied with voltage, and on energization of line 28, mirror 2' is rotated into operative position to receive an. original light image in place of mirror 2. Belt 5a transports the copy sheet cut by cutter 8 in image plane 5 and as the sheet advances into predetermined position, switch 9 is operated. Thereupon, line 20 is energized, in turn energizing an illuminator (not shown) connected thereto and generating said original light image. As abovediscussed, line 20 may also control apparatus (not shown) connected thereto and providing for variation in the speed of movement of belt 5a, and hence the copy sheet.

As will be evident to those skilled in the art, the conductive connecting means of FIG. I may conveniently be used with various apparatus, heretofore known, for effecting copy sheet cutting, lens and mirror displacement, original illumination and transport belt speed control.

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus for the photocopying of originals of various formats on copying sheets of different sizes, in-

cluding a table for supporting said originals, an illuminator for providing an image of said original, an exposure station defining a transport path through which said copying sheets are transported to receive said image, an optical system for selectively providing ones of a plurality of optical paths between said table and said station for said images, each such provided optical path being of a singular predetermined length, said system including mirror and lens means, and means for cutting copying paper to provide said different sized copying sheets, the improvement comprising:

a. a plurality of switches spaced from one another along said transport path and operated upon predetermined positioning of said copying sheets relative thereto, each said switch having an input line and an output line;

b. a plurality of push buttons having output terminals energized on push button operation, each said push button providing a visual indication of a relationship between original format size and the size in which said original format is to be photocopied;

c. first circuit means connecting preselected of said push button output terminals to preselected of said switch input lines forenergizing a preselected one of said switch input lines upon operation of each of said push buttons and thereby providing energization of a preselected one of said switch output lines upon operation of said switches;

(1. second circuit means including first conductors connected to preselected of said push button output terminals, said first conductors being selectively energized on operation of different ones of said push buttons, thereby providing electrical indisaid push buttons, thereby providing electrical indication of a preselected one of said optical paths.

2. The invention claimed in claim 1 wherein said push buttons further provide visual indications of the positioning of all said originals on said table.

I UNITED STATES PATENT O FFlCE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. s 3, 792, 9 26 Dated February 19, 1974 Inventor) Wilhelm Josef Knechtel and Detlef Schaffer It is certified that error appears ifi the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shownbelow:

Title page, item [30] "1 936169" should read -l 936169.4-.

Title page, item [56], "2/1968 Mihojerich et a1." should read --l2/1968 Mihojevich et al.--.-

Title page, item [57] line 13, delete "beingl'. Column 1, line 1p, before "wherein" insert --a rid--.

Column 3, line 24,. after ""8" insert due. by supplying I voltage to one of input lines 23, 24

p and 25 thereto,--.

Column 3, line 39, "lines" should read --'termi .n al s--.

Column 4, line 44, "different sized" should read "different- Signed and sealed this 20th day of August 19 74 (SEAL) Attest I I v McCOY M. GIBSON, JR. 7 C." MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer COIIIIIIISSlQIIGT Of Patents 'OFWI PO-105O (10-69) o M Po-mso (10-69) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,792,926 Dated February 19, 1974 Inv t fl Wilhelm Josef Knechtel and Detlef Schaffer I It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Title page, item [30], "1936169" should read --l936l6 9.4--.

Title page, item [56], "2/1968 Mihojerich et. al." should read --l2/l968 Mihojevich et a1.--.

Title page, item [57], line 13, delete "being". Column 1, line before "wherein" insert "and".

Column 3, line 24," after "8" insert 1.e. by supplying voltage to one of input lines 23, 24

p and 25 thereto,--.

Column 3, line :39, "lines" should read terniinals.

Column 4, line 44, "different sized" should read "differentsized-n Signed and sealed this 20th day of August 1974 (SEAL) Attest:

c MARSHALL DANN MCCOY M. GIBSON, JR. r

Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officerusoomm-oc 60376-P69 9 U.S GOVERNMENT HUNTING OI'IICE: Illl 0-36-334, 

1. In apparatus for the photocopying of originals of various formats on copying sheets of different sizes, including a table for supporting said originals, an illuminator for providing an image of said original, an exposure station defining a transport path through which said copying sheets are transported to receive said image, an optical system for selectively providing ones of a plurality of optical paths between said table and said station for said images, each such provided optical path being of a singular predetermined length, said system including mirror and lens means, and means for cutting copying paper to provide said different sized copying sheets, the improvement comprising: a. a plurality of switches spaced from one another along said transport path and operated upon predetermined positioning of said copying sheets relative thereto, each said switch having an input line and an output line; b. a plurality of push buttons having output terminals energized on push button operation, each said push button providing a visual indication of a relationship between original format size and the size in which said original format is to be photocopied; c. first circuit means connecting preselected of said push button output terminals to preselected of said switch input lines for energizing a preselected one of said switch input lines upon operation of each of said push buttons and thereby providing energization of a preselected one of said switch output lines upon operation of said switches; d. second circuit means including first conductors connected to preselected of said push button output terminals, said first conductors being selectively energized on operation of different ones of said push buttons, thereby providing electrical indication of a preselected one of said copying sheet sizes; and e. third circuit means including second conductors connected to preselected of said push button output terminals, said second conductors being selectively energized on operation of different ones of said push buttons, thereby providing electrical indication of a preselected one of said optical paths.
 2. The invention claimed in claim 1 wherein said push buttons further provide visual indications of the positioning of all said originals on said table. 